Nystatin 500,000 IU Tablet (5 Lakh IU Oral)

Nystatin 500,000 IU Tablet is an oral antifungal medicine containing 500,000 units of nystatin per tablet. It is used for susceptible Candida infections of the gastrointestinal tract, including non-esophageal mucosal GI candidiasis. Nystatin has negligible gastrointestinal absorption, so its oral tablet formulation acts primarily within the gastrointestinal tract rather than as a systemic antifungal.

Product Information

• Generic Name: Nystatin
• Common Strength: 500,000 IU
• Equivalent Description: 500,000 units / 5 Lakh IU
• Drug Class: Polyene Antifungal
• Dosage Form: Oral Tablet
• Route: Oral
• Active Ingredient: Nystatin
• Typical Product Description: Nystatin Tablets USP 500,000 Units
• Indication: Susceptible gastrointestinal Candida infection
• Prescription Status: Product status varies by country and formulation
• Pack Size: Varies by manufacturer and market
• Reference Australian Product: Nilstat Oral Tablets 500,000 IU is listed by the TGA under ARTG 15227.

What Is Nystatin 500,000 IU Used For?

Oral nystatin tablets are used for Candida infections involving the gastrointestinal tract, particularly non-esophageal mucosal GI candidiasis. The oral tablet is not intended to treat fungal infections requiring systemic antifungal exposure because gastrointestinal absorption of nystatin is insignificant.

The appropriate formulation depends on where the Candida infection is located. Nystatin is also available in other dosage forms, including oral suspensions and topical preparations, but these should not be treated as interchangeable with a 500,000-IU oral tablet.

How Nystatin Works

Nystatin is a polyene antifungal agent. It binds to sterols in susceptible fungal cell membranes, particularly ergosterol, altering membrane permeability and causing leakage of intracellular components. This antifungal activity can be fungistatic or fungicidal depending on concentration and organism susceptibility.

Nystatin has no appreciable activity against bacteria, protozoa, or viruses.

Nystatin 500,000 IU Tablet vs Other Nystatin Forms

Nystatin is sold in several formulations, and the strength alone does not define the intended route or use.

Nystatin 500,000 IU Oral Tablet: Designed for oral administration and primarily acts within the gastrointestinal tract.

Nystatin Oral Suspension: A liquid oral formulation used where a liquid dosage form is clinically appropriate.

Nystatin Cream or Ointment: Intended for topical treatment of susceptible fungal infections of the skin.

Nystatin Vaginal Preparations: Designed for local treatment of susceptible vulvovaginal Candida infections.

The 500,000-IU tablet should not be confused with 100,000-units/mL oral suspension, topical 100,000-unit/g products, or vaginal formulations.

Nystatin 500,000 IU in Australia

The Australian TGA lists Nilstat Oral Tablets Nystatin 500,000 I.U. under ARTG 15227 and identifies Aspen Pharmacare Australia Pty Ltd as sponsor. The TGA also lists a 500,000-IU Nilstat oral tablet blister-pack presentation under ARTG 15175.

This supports the relevance of searches such as nystatin tablets Australia, nystatin 500 000 units oral tablets, Nilstat 500 000, and nystatin TGA for Australian users.

Availability, dispensing requirements, PBS status, and supplier eligibility should always be confirmed for the specific product and current Australian regulatory requirements.

Quality & Product Identification

Current U.S. DailyMed labeling confirms that nystatin oral tablets can contain 500,000 USP units per tablet. One current listing describes round, coated tablets and a 90-tablet bottle, while other historical/current manufacturers have used 100-tablet packaging. Packaging, tablet appearance, inactive ingredients, and manufacturer therefore vary by product.

For procurement and product identification, verify the active ingredient, 500,000-unit strength, oral route, manufacturer, batch information, and local registration rather than relying only on tablet color or packaging.

Safety Information

Nystatin is generally used as a locally acting antifungal because oral gastrointestinal absorption is very limited. Reported adverse effects with oral tablets include gastrointestinal disturbance such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort; rash and hypersensitivity-type reactions have also been reported. Rare serious reactions are included in official product labeling.

Seek medical advice for persistent or worsening symptoms, suspected allergic reactions, or symptoms that do not fit a Candida infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nystatin 500,000 IU Tablet?

It is an oral tablet containing 500,000 units (5 lakh IU) of nystatin, a polyene antifungal used against susceptible Candida infections involving the gastrointestinal tract.

What does 5L IU mean?

In this product context, 5L IU means 5 lakh international units, equivalent to 500,000 IU.

What is Nystatin 500,000 IU used for?

Oral nystatin tablets are used for susceptible gastrointestinal Candida infections, including non-esophageal mucosal GI candidiasis.

Is Nystatin 500,000 IU an oral tablet?

Yes. Current DailyMed listings identify 500,000-unit nystatin tablets specifically for oral administration.

Is Nystatin absorbed into the bloodstream?

Gastrointestinal absorption of orally administered nystatin is described as insignificant, with most of the drug passing unchanged in the stool.

Is Nystatin the same as Nilstat?

Nilstat is a brand containing nystatin. In Australia, the TGA lists Nilstat oral tablets containing 500,000 IU of nystatin.

Is Nystatin 500,000 IU the same as Nystatin 100,000 units/mL?

No. They are different dosage forms and strength expressions. A 500,000-unit tablet is a solid oral dosage form, while 100,000 units/mL refers to a liquid concentration.

Is Nystatin an antibiotic?

Nystatin is an antifungal polyene antibiotic. Its clinically relevant activity is against susceptible fungi and yeasts rather than bacteria.

Is Nystatin 500,000 IU available in Australia?

A 500,000-IU oral nystatin tablet is represented in Australia’s TGA register through Nilstat Oral Tablets, including ARTG 15227. Current commercial availability should be checked for the specific brand and pack.

Last Updated: September 22, 2026 | Medical Review: Licensed healthcare professional recommended

Medical Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any prescription medicine.